New Grant Aims To Support Heroes with a Hearing Loss

DSN, a leading sensory loss organisation in the North West and North Wales will bring fresh support to ex-military personnel in need of sensory support.

Thanks to a grant fund approval, DSN will now be able to deliver a range of services to offer advice, support, interpreters and signposting to veterans with hearing loss issues as part of the Veterans Sensory Aid project.

CEO Mark Lunney, a veteran of 13 years said: “We are delighted to be a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and even more thrilled to have secured substantial grant funding to deliver our Veterans Sensory Aid project across Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and North Wales.”

DSN will be able to deliver advice including free hearing and sight tests, assistance to access to GP and health professionals, as well as welfare and social care benefits, including help to work and training needs.

Advice will also be given to support veteran families living with a person with hearing loss in order to identify and supply a range of equipment or technical assistance to improve communications and wellbeing.

As well as advice, veterans, veteran carers or their family group will be able to access free British Sign Language (BSL) training and they will also be encouraged to network with other veterans using technology and activities including being attending 12 free workshops to deliver 4-hour sensory awareness sessions.

Mark added: “We plan to build on our relationships with Transformation for Veterans, the BRC, the Royal British Legion, Woodys Lodge and Age UK’s in the North West to create a shared platform of information in an effort to create a regional forum where veterans can come together as a voice.”

The two-year project hopes to empower veterans and their communities to become more independent and improve social inclusion, help with loneliness and isolation and improve mental wellbeing, added Mark. 

“Veterans of all ages, including their families and carers often need support with sensory loss, sometimes acquired as a consequence of serving their country.

“This funding allows DSN to reach out and connect with veteran groups and families to provide a wide range of sensory advice, support, equipment, and training. Our team at DSN are very proud to be part of the covenant legacy.”

For more information about DSN go to www.dsnonline.co.uk or to show your support for our work locally, Text DSN to 70085 to donate £3.00 (Texts cost £3, plus one standard rate message).

Pictured - Veteran and DSN CEO Mark Lunney celebrates winning a new grant to help heroes with a hearing loss.